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The State League pays monthly for a Pro Zoom account, which lets us host meetings of up to 100 participants with no limit on meeting time. State Zoom account is available on a first come, first served basis. Default meeting time is one hour - please contact us at lwvor@lwvor.org if you need more time.

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PORTLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters of Oregon and the League of Women Voters of the US issued the following joint statement in response to the deployment of the National Guard in Portland.    “Portland — a city recognized nationally for its civic activism, creativity, and commitment to democratic values — is now subject to an unjustified deployment of federal troops. This action undermines local authority and threatens the very freedoms our democracy is meant to protect.    “Neither the Governor of Oregon nor city leaders requested this intervention. No emergency exists in Portland that warrants federal deployment. Instead, this move represents yet another instance of political retaliation aimed at silencing diverse, engaged communities who exercise their right to free expression.    “The presence of the National Guard will not bring safety or stability to Portland. Instead, it escalates fear, erodes trust, and places communities — particularly Black, brown, immigrant, and Indigenous residents who have historically borne the brunt of state overreach — at greater risk.    “Portland has long been a city where people gather to speak out, advocate for justice, and demand accountability from their government. To answer civic participation with militarization is a dangerous misuse of federal power. What Portlanders need is investment in community safety, affordable housing, and public health — not troops in their streets.    “The League calls on the Oregon congressional delegation to condemn the weaponization of the federal military and stand up for the people of Portland. We commend Oregon government officials for taking legal action against this unjust occupation."  Contact: lwvor@lwvor.org 503-581-5722 League of Women Voters of Oregon

Dear League members, In the first three weeks of my tenure as President of the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) , there have been no fewer than four legitimate concerns which call for a timely, accurate, clear and principled response which conforms with our state and the national League of Women Voters’ (LWVUS) adopted positions.  Amicus Brief: Measure 114 for Gun Safety Last week, I authorized signing on to an amicus brief on Oregon Ballot Measure114, pending before the Oregon Supreme Court, expressing our strong interest.  This summer the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of Ballot Measure 114, a gun safety measure approved by Oregon voters in the November 2024 general election.  That decision is being appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court.  LWVOR published an amicus brief in the first challenge in the Appeals Court.  The Brief submitted this week, with the exception of the court to which it's addressed, is identical to its predecessor and supports Oregon voters’ initiative petition rights.  In this case, time is of the essence to respond  to the Court, and to maintain solidarity with allies protecting Oregonians’ voting rights.  Defending Voter Rights in Oregon The three federal matters include a voter’s right to privacy, legal authority of the executive branch to deploy military on US soil, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) denying the League of Women Voters and other non-governmental civic organizations the right to register and inform new citizens of their voting rights at administrative naturalization ceremonies on USCIS properties.  In this case, LWVOR worked with LWVUS to determine that the policy does not restrict our ability to register newly-naturalized citizens at other locations.  Oregon’s Governor, Hon. Tina Kotek, and our Secretary of State, Tobias Read, were sued on September 16 by the US Department of Justice to compel them to submit to the federal government detailed voter registration records which the State has no authority to release and the Federal government has no Constitutional basis to request.  Voters in Oregon and across the nation have a constitutional right to privacy. Protection from such an inquiry in violation of the Constitution is a national issue that deserves our full attention.  The Action Committee has formed an issue statement and, with my approval, sought advice on next steps from LWVUS Litigation.   Letters to State Leaders: National Guard Deployment In addition, the Executive Branch of the federal government has deployed the US military in the form of several states' National Guard units to police Los Angeles, the District of Columbia, and Memphis.  The Executive Branch is allowed such deployment decisions under specific legal authority.  The Executive Branch has targeted a number of cities across the nation in which a similar deployment is being considered, including Portland, Oregon.  In this case, states’ rights appear to be abridged by the violation of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.  This is a matter both of states’ rights and also possibly of military suppression of free speech. LWVOR has asked the Governor and the Attorney General to ensure that the state has strong guardrails regarding the deployment of the National Guard.       It is the League’s right and obligation to challenge any and all insults to civil and voting rights in this country.  Voting rights are a cornerstone, if not a pillar, of democracy for which the League of Women Voters is uniquely positioned to be a non-partisan voice of citizens in support of our constitutional democracy.   In League, Mark W. Kendall LWVOR President Consulted and Other Resources: https://www.lwvor.org/post/action-alert-oppose-hr-9495-protect-nonprofit-free-speech-and-due-process https://www.lwv.org/blog/what-you-need-know-about-national-guard-insurrection-act-and-martial-law https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/league-women-voters-denounces-national-guard-deployment-memphis-dangerous https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/league-women-voters-statement-uscis-policy-restricting-voter-registration

/ Advocacy / Protecting Voters. Improving Elections. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. Get tips on effective advocacy. Learn how to communicate with your legislators. Advocacy In Oregon Legislative Reports Published weekly during each legislative session, this report covers news from the Capitol. Read More Advocacy In Oregon Our Testimony Read our testimony letters related to gun safety, governance, education, climate action, and more. Read More Advocacy In Oregon Campaign Finance In Oregon A historical look at campaign finance in oregon. Read More Advocacy In Oregon Committees and Coalitions LWVOR Advocacy Team members serve on legislative workgroups and committees. Read More The Power of Nonpartisan Advocacy The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. We advocate for issues, not parties or candidates, and believe in free, fair, and accessible elections for all. Read more Sign Up For Email We Need Your Support Today! Donate Your donation empowers voters and defends democracy.

Become a member of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / Join / Get Involved Attend An Event Events take place around the state. Button Become a Member Join your local League! Button Donate Support our work. Button Learn more Empowering Oregon voters. Button Button Button Button Button Volunteer With the League Volunteers are vital to our success. There are plenty of ways to get involved with the League depending on your interest, skills, and availability. Check out the various volunteer teams below. Training and mentorship is provided in all areas! Climate Emergency Advocates year round for a variety of agency rules, policies and budgets that are consistent with the best available climate science and that will ensure a stable climate system for future generations. LWVOR supports the Our Children’s Trust/Crag Environmental Law Center state and federal lawsuits and we oppose expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. Volunteer opportunities: -Following policy at the state and local levels. -Training with LWVOR Advocacy Committee. -Working with legislators to affect policy changes. -Drafting Letters To the Editor, testimony, Action Alerts, and more! Areas of interest: -Natural and Working lands -Transportation -Climate Related Lawsuits -Public Health Climate Adaptation -Oregon Treasury: ESG investing and fossil fuel divestment Main contact: Claudia Keith - climatepolicy@lwvor.org Links: Climate Emergency Reports Protecting Democracy Governance advocacy issues including ethics, efficiency, citizen participation and access, public access law, and contemporary privacy and technology issues. Election policies include laws and administrative rules, campaign finance, redistricting, and alternative voting methods. Areas of interest: -Redistricting -Campaign Finance -Cybersecurity -Voting Rights -Elections Main contact: lwvor@lwvor.org Links: Governance Reports Redistricting Campaign Finance Social Policy The broad Social Policy area includes: housing, adult corrections, judiciary, juvenile justice, public safety, gun safety, violence preventions, health care, mental health, immigration and refugees, foster care, social services, and women’s issues. Actively lobbies for anti-poverty programs to help low income and at-risk people move toward financial stability. Volunteer opportunities: -Following policy at the state and local levels. -Training with LWVOR Advocacy Committee. -Working with legislators to affect policy changes. -Drafting Letters To the Editor, testimony, Action Alerts, and more! Areas of interest: -Human rights -Immigration, Refugees & Asylum Seekers -GLBTQ+ -Basic Human Needs Main contact: Jean Pierce - SocialPolicy@lwvor.org Links: Social Policy Reports Natural Resources Works year-round on improving air quality, combating climate change, coastal management, clean energy, proper disposal of hazardous materials and solid waste, conservation, land use, parks, clean and abundant water supply for all, wetlands protection and other resource preservation, and budgets related to Oregon’s 14 natural resource agencies. Volunteer opportunities: -Following policy at the state and local levels. -Training with LWVOR Advocacy Committee. -Working with legislators to affect policy changes. -Drafting Letters To the Editor, testimony, Action Alerts, and more! Areas of interest: -Air Quality -Land Quality -Recycling and Waste Prevention -Coastal Programs -Fish and Wildlife -Columbia River Gorge -Geology and Mineral Industries -Oregon Marine Board -Parks and Recreation -Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Main contact: Peggy Lynch - peggylynchor@gmail.com Links: Natural Resources Reports Education Follows student success, early learning, career technical programs (CTE), PK-12 and higher education. We advocate minimizing barriers impacting education for children at risk or historically underserved and underachieving youth. We advocate for best mental health practices for teachers and students in an ever- changing environment. Main contact: Jean Pierce - socialpolicy@lwvor.org Links: Education Reports Youth Engagement Join our Youth Outreach committee for opportunities around youth civic engagement, mentorship, event support, and voter outreach. Support our growing Youth Council operated by young Oregonians from around the state and our award-winning Oregon Student Mock Election! Examples of volunteer opportunities: -Mentoring Youth Council members -Supporting Oregon Student Mock Elections in your local schools -Supporting youth civic engagement events -Youth voter registration drives at high schools and college campuses Main contact: Diana DeMaria and Mimi Alkire - youthoutreach@lwvor.org Links: Youth Council Oregon Student Mock Election Voter Engagement Do you have a passion for being an election observer? Are you interested in helping host a forum for local candidates on the 2024 ballot? The LWVOR Voter Service team is interested in talking to you! We are looking for volunteers who are interested in many aspects of the Voter Education process, including helping run a voter registration drive, researching ballot measures, distributing Voters’ Guides to local locations, and more! Examples of volunteer opportunities: -VOTE411.org candidate and ballot measure reasearch -Voters' Guides -Voter registration drives in your community -Election forums -Election observers Main contact: lwvor@lwvor.org Links: VOTE411.org Voting In Oregon Let's Make A Change Here are some ways you can donate: Donate By Mail The League of Women Voters of Oregon 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Online Make a tax deductible donation‏. Click to Give Investments Learn more about giving to the League. Learn more

Learn more about Oregon's safe and secure Vote-By-Mail process. / Voting / Vote By Mail / Vote By Mail Best Practices In Oregon Oregonians love Vote By Mail! 💌 Oregon was the first full Vote by Mail (VBM) state. Of course, we can vote in-person at Elections offices. LWVOR encourages voters to save Oregon taxpayers the prepaid postage cost. Use the ballot dropboxes (Oregon Drop Box Locator ) 🗳️ when you can! The League posts this map on our site during election seasons. Put in your address to find your nearest ballot dropbox, and find your ballot information on Vote411.org . See Oregon’s Vote By Mail Procedures Manual . It is posted with other elections’ manuals and tutorials . We hope these videos and FAQs will help you! Please contact us if we can help, lwvor@lwvor.org . Watch Election Security With Vote by Mail This video is about Election Security with the Vote-by-Mail process in Oregon. Watch Now FAQs about voting in Oregon BIPOC Support & Voter Turnout Measuring Effectiveness Best Practices Counting Timelines Securing Ballots Public Messaging Who are key allies for supporting VBM? Do they include BIPOC groups, the disability community, etc.? The ACLU, Common Cause, and political parties are regulars, and they may not work directly with LWV. Disability Rights Oregon is very active but strictly advocates for their limited constituency, not to benefit voters overall. The State Library, TBABS, Talking Books and Braille Services, works directly for vision-related concerns. Keep in mind those advocating for current ballot measure issues, eg League of Conservation Voters, education communities, etc. What research or data can you share to show that voting by mail actually increased turnout, especially among underrepresented groups? See The SoS Election Statistics page for general, primary, special election turnout, and ballot return history since 2000. OR VBM statistics , a comprehensive history, from 1981 up to 2006. Watch The Path of a Ballot in Multnomah County Have you wondered what path your ballot takes from being produced, cast and counted? Here are some answers. Watch Now More Resources 🎥 Marion County Clerk Bill Burgess talks Voting Security 🎥 How Lane County Elections Processes Your Ballot 🎥 LWVM-P & Oregon's Elections Director on VBM